Episode 165: Return to the Demonic Sect
In the office where General Gu Yun resided, a single lamp cast a warm glow over the room. Two men sat across from each other at a table, the air thick with the weight of their conversation.
Gu Yun spoke first, breaking the silence. “The leader has finally found some peace of mind. The Inspection Bureau has made a significant impact right from its inception.”
“Thanks to your trust,” replied Sabi Kang with a slight smile.
Gu Yun chuckled softly. “And I will continue to trust you.”
“That’s only natural.”
“Is it? I did wonder what might have happened if we had spared Jeon Tae-soo.”
“If we had, the likes of Deung Wang-pae and his cronies would have found a way to free him, complicating matters further.”
“Indeed. Their influence runs deeper than we anticipated.”
“I agree. This incident served as a stern warning to them.”
“That was the intention.”
Gu Yun nodded, rising from his seat to approach a large map of the Central Plains spread across the wall. Sabi Kang joined him, standing by his side.
Gu Yun sighed lightly before speaking again. “Chief Sa, have you considered renaming the Inspection Bureau? The current name is a bit… much.”
Sabi Kang chuckled. “Don’t worry. I know some of the higher-ups are envious of its grand name, but I’m not one to be intimidated by such things.”
“Envious, you say…”
Gu Yun shook his head, opting to use the abbreviated name. “So, where will the Heavenly Annihilation Squad strike first?”
“It’s not the Heavenly Annihilation Squad; it’s the ‘Heavenly Supreme Bloodstorm Annihilation Squad,’” Sabi Kang corrected him with precision.
“Right, right. Have you decided on the first target?”
“I have a few ideas.”
“Good. But the reason I called you here today is that there’s a place I hope you’ll prioritize. You might be surprised to hear it…”
“You’re talking about the Dongbang Family, aren’t you?”
Gu Yun’s eyes widened in shock. “How did you know?”
Instead of being surprised, Sabi Kang seemed amused. “Let’s just call it intuition.”
“Intuition…?”
Gu Yun was left speechless, his mind reeling. After a moment, he composed himself. “Yes, the Dongbang Family. But they’re well-respected by the locals. They help during droughts and lend money at low interest to those in need. The head of the family is said to be so benevolent that even the heavens look favorably upon him. But…”
“You suspect the corruption within the Justice Alliance starts there.”
Gu Yun’s expression faltered again. Could Sabi Kang read minds?
“Exactly. I suspect it’s the source of the corruption’s funding.”
“What makes you think that?”
“According to recent information from our Hyesung Pavilion, the Dongbang Family has amassed a significant amount of secret funds. These funds are being circulated discreetly…”
“And you believe they’re connected to Deung Wang-pae’s inner circle.”
“Precisely. However, the exact form of these funds is unknown. Of course, we can’t be entirely sure of the accuracy of the information from Hyesung Pavilion.”
“Gold bars,” Sabi Kang interjected suddenly.
“Gold bars? What do you mean?”
“The form of the funds you mentioned. They’re stored as gold bars.”
Gu Yun’s eyes widened further. “Is that true?”
“Yes. They’re kept in a secret chamber known only to the Dongbang Family’s leadership.”
“And the location of this chamber…?”
“I don’t know that part.”
“Ah…”
Gu Yun sighed in frustration, though it wasn’t entirely warranted. Sabi Kang seemed to know an astonishing amount, even more than Hyesung Pavilion had uncovered. How was that possible?
As if reading his thoughts, Sabi Kang continued, “The Ghost Shadow Squad, part of the Inspection Bureau, investigated this.”
“And the reliability of their findings?”
“Over ninety percent.”
“Incredible.”
Despite the lack of concrete evidence, there was something about Sabi Kang that inspired confidence. In truth, Sabi Kang had experienced this before. He knew that the Dongbang Family’s secret chamber held gold bars, which had been used to empower factions opposing the leader. But he couldn’t act on this knowledge alone, so he had the Ghost Shadow Squad focus their investigation on the Dongbang Family.
The only regret was that even Sabi Kang didn’t know the exact location of the chamber. ‘There are some suspicions about that chamber, though…’
For Gu Yun, this was significant progress. Meanwhile, Sabi Kang found himself impressed by Gu Yun. ‘He’s smarter than I thought.’
Gu Yun’s reputation as a mere figurehead hadn’t been favorable. But now, seeing the inner workings of the Justice Alliance, Sabi Kang understood him better. A brilliant strategist, albeit one marked by misfortune. But that label would no longer apply.
Gu Yun spoke with a serious expression. “We must be cautious. If the information from Hyesung Pavilion and the Ghost Shadow Squad is accurate, the head of the Dongbang Family is a cunning individual. It’s difficult to uproot him because he presents himself as a virtuous warrior.”
“Don’t worry. I have my own way of dealing with such sly individuals. The best way to handle a cunning fox is with a mad dog, wouldn’t you agree? So, just sit back and wait.”
Gu Yun smiled at Sabi Kang’s confident assurance. Somehow, when Sabi Kang spoke, it was easy to feel reassured. ‘I might not be cut out for this strategist role after all.’
With a self-deprecating smile, Gu Yun spoke again. “There’s another place we need to address.”
“The Northern Bright Divine Gate.”
Gu Yun’s eyes widened once more. ‘How many more surprises does he have in store for me?’
Sabi Kang grinned. “It’s the strongest local power supporting Deung Wang-pae. I knew that much.”
“Yes. After dealing with the Dongbang Family, we must target the Northern Bright Divine Gate.”
“Leave it to me. Oh, and we won’t officially investigate the Dongbang Family.”
“Then…?”
“We’ll pretend to be inspecting another place and stop by. We could use the inspection of the Gangjin Branch as an excuse.”
“Ah, so you’ll use the branch inspection as a pretext to investigate the Dongbang Family.”
“Exactly. We’ll stay for about three days.”
Gu Yun nodded. Sabi Kang’s meticulous nature was surprising. However…
“Isn’t three days too short?”
“No, it’s enough. Just wait and see. I’ll be back soon.”
Sabi Kang smiled confidently.
**
At the Dongbang Family’s main residence, the head of the family, Ha Taesang, stood by the window, gazing outside. The chilly night air brushed against his cheek.
Soon, Sang Geomak, the leader of the Shadowless Squad, approached him. “It’s late.”
Sang Geomak spoke cautiously. The Shadowless Squad handled all the secretive and unsavory tasks for the Dongbang Family, making Sang Geomak one of Ha Taesang’s most trusted subordinates.
“I can’t sleep.”
“Is something troubling you?”
“The Inspection Bureau is coming.”
Sang Geomak’s brow furrowed. “Are they coming to investigate us? Why?”
“No. What would they find here? If anything, they should be giving us an award.”
“True.”
“They’re supposedly inspecting the Gangjin Branch and plan to stop by here.”
“Then we should welcome them warmly.”
Ha Taesang nodded slowly. “Yes, that’s the plan.”
In other words, they would offer a generous bribe, disguised as a token of appreciation. Ha Taesang was skilled at such gestures, which is why he had never been criticized and was instead revered by those around him.
However…
“I can’t shake this uneasy feeling.”
It had been a while since he felt this way. An inexplicable sense of foreboding.
“Perhaps you’re just overworked and on edge.”
“Perhaps.”
“You weren’t thrilled about the formation of the new Inspection Bureau either…”
“That’s true.”
“But don’t worry. They’re just a bunch of rookies, aren’t they? A team of trainees won’t even make the dogs bark.”
“Haha. Somehow, talking to you always eases my worries.”
“That’s why you called me, isn’t it?”
Sang Geomak’s grin was slightly sinister, but to Ha Taesang, it was the most reassuring smile.
“Indeed. We should treat them well to avoid any unnecessary trouble.”
“They’re just inexperienced kids. This could be an opportunity for you.”
“An opportunity, you say?”
“The Inspection Corps is like a blank canvas. It’s up to the head of the family to decide what colors to paint it with.”
“Hmm. Hahaha! I like the sound of that.”
Sang Geomak was right.
Aren’t they just a bunch of young kids?
In fact, it’s easier to handle such youngsters.
If only he could mold them to his will with this opportunity…
“Still, keep a close watch. Even a bunch of mice can be a nuisance when they gather.”
“Understood.”
“Wow, this is incredible.”
Yeom Jaryang gaped as he looked up at the grand entrance of the Dongbang family estate.
He had heard it was big, but he hadn’t expected it to be this massive.
Of course, it couldn’t compare to the vastness of the Justice Alliance, which was like a small village, but it was certainly larger than most martial sects.
The entrance alone was three jang high, and the walls stretching out on either side were as tall and imposing as a fortress.
To exaggerate a bit, the walls seemed to stretch on endlessly.
‘For someone with such power, he sure is humble.’
Yeom Jaryang thought to himself, admiring Ha Taesang, the head of the Dongbang family.
Ha Taesang had come out to the gatepost to wait for them even before Sabi Kang and the Cheonmyeol Corps arrived.
As soon as Sabi Kang arrived, Ha Taesang hurried over with open arms to welcome them.
“You must have had quite a journey. I hope the trip wasn’t too uncomfortable. It’s an honor for our family to have you visit our humble abode. Hahaha.”